I say nothing. Just stare down at him, letting him see what's in my eyes. Death, if he pushes. Violence, no matter what.
"She works here," I finally growl, my voice a rough rumble I barely recognize. "That makes her my business."
He tries to look past me at Amanda. My hand shoots out, gripping his jaw, forcing his eyes back to mine. The touch isbarely controlled—one twitch and I could snap bone. We both know it.
"Eyes on me," I snarl. "Never on her. Walk away or I break every bone in your body."
I drop my hold, but not my gaze.
His eyes dart side to side, weighing options, measuring the threat. He must see something in my face that convinces him, because he backs up a step.
"This isn't over," he spits, but the words lack conviction.
My lips curve in what might be mistaken for a smile. It's not. It's a predator showing teeth.
"It is if you want to keep breathing."
He backs toward the door, throwing one last look at Amanda. "I'll see you around, babe."
The endearment snaps something in me. I take a step forward, fists clenched, and he bolts out the door, nearly tripping over his own feet.
The entire bar has gone silent. I turn slowly, finding Amanda staring up at me with wide eyes. Tears shimmer there, but don't fall.Strong girl.Something in my chest clenches painfully.
"You okay?" I ask, voice softer than I thought possible for me.
She nods once, a jerky movement. "Thank you."
Two simple words, but they hit me like a knockout punch. I've heard crowds roar my name, felt the rush of victory dozens of times, but nothing compares to her gratitude.
"Who was he?" I demand, already knowing I'll hunt him down either way.
"Ex-boyfriend. From years ago." Her voice trembles slightly. "He doesn't…he won't accept that it's over."
The bartender from the other end calls to her, breaking the moment. Customers are waiting. The world spins on.
I step back, giving her space, but every cell in my body screams against it. I want to wrap her up, carry her somewhere safe, somewhere only I exist.
"I finish at midnight," she says suddenly, surprising us both.
I nod once, understanding the unspoken request. "I'll be here."
Returning to my corner, I keep my eyes trained on the door, daring that fucker to return. But my mind has already decided what my heart knew the moment I saw fear cross her face.
Amanda is mine now.
And God help anyone who tries to hurt what's mine.
two
. . .
Amanda
My hands won't stop shaking. Notfrom fear anymore—that passed the moment Ryker stepped between me and Danny. Now it's something else. Adrenaline. Relief. And something more primal I don't have a name for yet. I've spent three years looking over my shoulder, jumping at shadows, keeping myself small and invisible. Three years since I escaped Danny's obsession. And in ten seconds, this mountain of a man with scarred knuckles and storm-cloud eyes just made me feel safer than I have since I was a child.
I wipe down the bar for the third time, stealing glances at Ryker in his dark corner. He hasn't moved since the confrontation. Just stands there, arms crossed over his massive chest, eyes tracking every person who enters. But I know he's watching me too. I can feel it—like a physical touch skimming across my skin.
I've noticed him every shift for months. How could I not? Six and a half feet of pure, controlled violence. The scar slicing through his left eyebrow. The way his forearms flex when he tosses troublemakers out—all that dark ink rippling over hard muscle. The quiet way he nods when I slide him a beer. Neverasks for it. Never expects it. But his eyes—God, his eyes—they soften just a fraction when they meet mine.
